This inventive picture book uses the metaphor of a train to teach basic conventions of conversation to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Locomotives are like greetings; they get the train going. Train cars are like conversation turns; it is good to have at least a few when you are in conversation. A switch track is like a tactful change in the topic of conversation. When a conversation veers off-topic it is like a derailed train. As well as attractive colour photographs of trains, the book contains engaging fill-in-the-blank worksheets and colouring pages to help promote skill generalization. This highly visual approach to conversation is ideally suited to children with ASDs aged approximately 5-13.
Contents:
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Introduction.
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Promote Skill Generalization Using the Train Imagery.
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Using the Worksheets.
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Section One: The Conversation Train.
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Part One: Starting a Conversation.
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Part Two: Taking Turns in Conversation.
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Part Three: Staying On Track.
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Part Four: Changing Topics.
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Part Five: Ending the Conversation.
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Part Six: Putting it All Together.
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Section Two: The Conversation Train Worksheets.
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What Do the Different Parts of the Train Mean?
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Hello Words,
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How Are You Words,
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Switch Track Words and Goodbye Words.
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Fix the Mixed-Up Conversation.
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Things You Love Can Make You Go Off Track.
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People You Know and What They Like Talking About.
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People You Know and What You Both Like Talking About.
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The Two-Person, On-Track
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Worksheet. Choosing the Right Words with Different People.
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Keeping Track of Staying on Track.
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Conversation Train
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Colouring Pages.
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Subject Index
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About the Author
Author Bio:
Joel Shaul is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in ASDs. Through his organization, Autism Teaching Strategies, he provides workshops on social skills teaching and mental health treatment methods. He is also co-creator of Ryuu social skills products. He provides clinical and consultation services at The Watson Institute of Sewickley, PA.
